About us

The world’s biggest international organisations rely on us to help them make the right decisions in a fast-changing world. We combine the knowledge, experience and energy of the whole firm to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, wherever and whenever they arise.

Rafique is global co-head of the firm’s general industries sector group, which is responsible for clients in the automotive, chemicals and other industries.

He specialises in antitrust and regulatory aspects of global M&A transactions, international antitrust investigations, and other behavioural and regulatory matters.

Rafique has extensive experience of: managing large-scale transactions that require a global regulatory and merger-control strategy; and co-ordinating multijurisdictional defences in international investigations and ensuing litigation.

He also acts for global financial investors, including sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises, and advises on transactions involving institutional investors. He has unique experience in the Middle East region, where he regularly advises local and international companies on the antitrust and regulatory aspects of their national and international transactions.

Advising BASF on its €7.6bn acquisition of significant components of Bayer’s seed and crop protection businesses and related assets, which Bayer divested ahead of its planned acquisition of Monsanto.

Advising Suzano Papel e Celulose, the Brazilian paper and pulp manufacturer, on the global merger control aspects of its $11bn acquisition of rival Fibria Celulose, including in the EU, US, China and Brazil.

Advising Johnson & Johnson on the global merger control aspects of its $30bn public takeover of Actelion, including in relation to an innovative remedy package in the EU.

Advising AstraZeneca on the antitrust aspects of its $8bn strategic oncology collaboration with Merck.

Advising Neptune Energy Group backed by funds advised by Carlyle, CVC and other co-investors, on its $3.9bn acquisition of Engie E&P International.

Advising Holcim on its $43bn merger of equals with Lafarge, including in relation to a complex global remedy package in order to gain approvals in the EU and a number of other jurisdictions.

Defending clients in recent and on-going investigations, by multiple authorities around the globe, of suspected cartels in a number of industries including bioethanol, precious metals, capacitors and optical disk drive (ODD), including exclusion from cartel allegations and fines in the European Commission’s ODD decision.